Council unveils housing and business options under Local Plan

RESIDENTS are being asked to help a council decide where thousands of new homes and businesses should be built around the district.

Wycombe District Council may have to build between 500 and 700 new homes every year between now and 2031 to keep up with growth. Up to 400 dwellings are currently built around the district every 12 months.

A review of the Green Belt will be carried out by the council, which says it "can’t see an answer" that doesn’t involve the use of Green Belt land - but council chiefs have pledged to keep development to a minimum.

WDC Leader Richard Scott said the Local Plan was a "big challenge" but "doing nothing was not an option" as WDC would risk being at the mercy of developers who could run riot over south Buckinghamshire.

Cllr Neil Marshall, WDC’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, said: "People need to understand we have to go through the process and we would like their input. This is our means of controlling our destiny, rather than it being in the hands of developers.

"Getting your Local Plan approved means you can control development. If you lose, you are effectively handing over power to the developer."

WDC pointed to the problems facing Aylesbury Vale District Council, which had its Local Plan thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate.

"Aylesbury had three appeals that became a public inquiry with 6,000 proposed houses tied up in it - it’s planning by appeal with developers picking sites and councils spending money to fight them off", he added.

All local authorities have been told by the government to work out how many homes and jobs are required and plan to meet that need.

WDC used census data and population trends from the last decade and applied that formula to work out the housing need up until 2031.

Penelope Toillitt, WDC’s new Head of Planning and Sustainability, said the Government would "struggle to accept" the council continuing with its current housing levels.

The council does not want ‘piecemeal development’ or homes in one place and jobs in another, which would encourage commuting.

Cllr Marshall said: "We don’t think that would be a sustainable solution.

"There’s a strong economic pull for the south of the district, we just haven’t got the space down there for economic and housing growth. So we are limited to a bit here, a bit there and housing where we can."

Green Belt

DEVELOPING Green Belt land to accommodate additional housing and jobs could prove to be the most contentious element of the Local Plan.

Wycombe District Council has admitted it cannot see a way of meeting growth without building within the Green Belt.

Once the public consultation has come to an end, the council will carry out a review of both its own Green Belt land - as well as work with neighbouring authorities to see if they could take some of the burden on the area.

Cllr Marshall said: "We have to do it with our neighbouring authorities. If we look at what we can deliver, we don’t think we will have the capabilities to deliver it all.

"So we then have to go to our neighbours to see if they can help.

"If we haven’t had a thorough look at our patch first, and they will be looking, they will turn around and say ‘look again’. We have to do it."

According to figures provided by the council, the protected Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 71 percent of the district. That, coupled with the area’s topography, makes development difficult.

Cllr Marshall added: "It’s a difficult one, you look at the map and there’s a lot of Green Belt in [South Bucks District Council’s] plot but we have a very limited scope, a little patch down the south-east we can look at."

A council statement added: "If we don't look at the Green Belt, any plan we put forward is likely to be rejected. Right now we are exploring all options."

Residents in Bourne End and Wooburn Green had already been in touch to suggest an area of land they would be happier to sacrifice, as opposed to the Slade Meadow site put forward (below).

Infrastructure

ESSENTIAL infrastructure upgrades would have to be funded by a new development or it might not be allowed to go ahead, the council said.

WDC’s Leader Cllr Richard Scott said if a new development required any new roads, schools or doctors' surgeries to make it sustainable; the infrastructure would have to be funded by the development.

If not, it would impact upon the council's decision-making abilities with a site potentially being deemed unacceptable and ruled out as a result.

He said: "The argument we could use is - if we are to do x we need the infrastructure, if we haven’t got the infrastructure we can’t...

"If we say to a developer, we can’t do this unless you put in a new road or a new railway, whatever, that is clearly an argument to say we can’t do it."

Penelope Toillitt added some developments have been estimated to cost in the tens-of-millions which would not be funded by the development.

She said: "That raises questions about how we deal with the balance - are there other sources? Do we talk to the LEP? Are there government funds?

"If the infrastructure is too expensive to the point it makes it unviable, that’s when we say it’s a real constraint."

So what about the district’s existing infrastructure? Residents and groups have been campaigning for the road network to be improved and for Accident and Emergency to be reinstated at Wycombe Hospital.

Cllr Marshall said WDC takes its lead from Buckinghamshire County Council about the roads, while power, water and other service providers assessed the council’s plans and then drew up their own to match up.

WDC planning officers said the hospital service was a "higher debate".

Area-by-area:

High Wycombe

WDC has put forward four ‘reserve sites’ - pieces of land not in the Green Belt on the edge of towns and villages that have been previously identified as development sites - for consideration in High Wycombe.

Abbey Barn South could provide about 450 homes, new businesses and open spaces.

Abbey Barn North could host around 75 new homes and a nature reserve.

Terriers Farm between Hazlemere and Terriers could play home to about 400 homes, as well as sports pitches and transport measures in the area.

Gomm Valley and Ashwells, like Terriers Farm, is deemed to be a sensitive site but it could provide 400 new homes, job opportunities and an extended nature reserve. Most of the area would remain untouched.

The council is also consulting the public over three potential new employment sites in High Wycombe.

These are: Land to the north of Heath End Road at Junction 3a of the M40. The land is in the Green Belt and would require heavy investment - but it would be a major economic development opportunity, the council says.

Wycombe Air Park will be kept open but WDC believes it could make better use of the existing building space already on the site.

Buckmaster Playing Fields in Booker could be transformed into employment space if another site could be found for the playing fields.

Marlow

Large scale housing is "probably a no-no" in Marlow, WDC Leader Cllr Richard Scott has said, but the Westhorpe Interchange near Westhorpe House could be a long-term site for additional employment.

It is, however, within the Green Belt and visible from the Chiltern AONB so it would need to be a 'sensitive development'.

Wye Valley

The council has a reserve site in Slade Meadow - the field which seperates Bourne End and Wooburn.

Part of the site is a village green and it is also in the floodplain but the council believes it could host 175 new homes and maintain the green feel.

Princes Risborough

Could face large-scale development with planning honchos stating it holds the "greatest potential" out of all the district centres.

The single largest housing development site opportunity put forward by WDC is an area of land to the north-west of Risborough between the town and Longwick.

The plot could host anywhere between 2000 and 2500 homes but it would have to be built to ‘garden city’ principles of well-designed, energy efficient homes with good routes for walking and cycling.

As many jobs as possible would have to be attracted to the area to cut down on commuting and at least one new school and doctors’ surgery would need to be built. Any development would take over a decade.

Picks Mill Farm could accommodate 450 homes, which could dovetail with land north of Longwick Road which could hold up to 1000 homes.

Picts Lane and the Princes Estate could offer additional homes and jobs, while the Longwick Road employment area could be expanded.

Cllr Neil Marshall said while Risborough offers the greatest scope for development it also throws up dilemmas - as the town is not seen as a business destination.

He said: "Risborough certainly has the greatest potential. The difficulty is Risborough is it’s not where business wants to be.

"So it’s all very well to plan homes there, but if we can’t attract business and it leads to commuting, is that the right solution?"

Planning bosses said a development of 2500 homes would require significant infrastructure investment which would not be covered by the development. It could cost £27m to put in a suitable road network.

Penelope Toillitt said: "We don’t even know if that’s viable, there are some real questions of deliverability even if we decide it is sustainably desirable."

Rural areas

Saunderton, Stokenchurch and Kimble have also be considered by WDC but due to the Chilterns AONB and lack of facilities in those places development would seem unlikely.

Council chiefs have also explored the possibility of a new town above Risborough near Terrick.

Public consultation

EVERY home and business in the Wycombe District will this week receive a booklet outlining the options of the Local Plan.

Residents are asked to consider the merits of six main options - build in towns, build on brownfield sites, build on reserve sites, expand villages, consider the use of Green Belt land and expand Princes Risborough.

A host of exhibitions and workshops will be held across the district between February and March, with the consultation closing on April 4.

The first exhibition will be held in the High Wycombe Library in Eden between February 11 and March 15.

Residents can email their views to newlocalplan@wycombe.gov.uk, call 01494 421158, tweet @wycombedcnlp or write to the council’s headquarters in Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.

Visit www.wycombe.gov.uk/newlocalplan for a complete overview of the options, take part in the consultation and for details about the exhibitions dates and venues.

Comments

motco
9:08am Sat 1 Feb 14

Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...

Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...motco

Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...

Score: 20

sundaydriver
9:17am Sat 1 Feb 14

Great idea chaps - lets spot the areas left around High Wycombe and in fill them with cheap, grotty houses that have no gardens and further depress those that buy them - who remembers Downley when it was a village and you drove up the hill through the fields to get to it?
Soon we will be able to drive from Wycombe to Risborough without seeing a field! Still at least the building firms will get rich

Great idea chaps - lets spot the areas left around High Wycombe and in fill them with cheap, grotty houses that have no gardens and further depress those that buy them - who remembers Downley when it was a village and you drove up the hill through the fields to get to it?
Soon we will be able to drive from Wycombe to Risborough without seeing a field! Still at least the building firms will get richsundaydriver

Great idea chaps - lets spot the areas left around High Wycombe and in fill them with cheap, grotty houses that have no gardens and further depress those that buy them - who remembers Downley when it was a village and you drove up the hill through the fields to get to it?
Soon we will be able to drive from Wycombe to Risborough without seeing a field! Still at least the building firms will get rich

Score: 26

Agniesca
9:39am Sat 1 Feb 14

If our population increases in accordance with the statistics, then our water, sewage and electricity supplies will be unable to increase, road congestion will increase and resulting air pollution will become a serious health hazard. Our core retail centre will increasingly become accessable only on foot. The town centre will become a dormitory area housing rail commuters and students as increasing numbers of retail outlets are converted to accommodation. more and more households will shop out of town, in other local areas or on the internet. Is this what we want

If our population increases in accordance with the statistics, then our water, sewage and electricity supplies will be unable to increase, road congestion will increase and resulting air pollution will become a serious health hazard. Our core retail centre will increasingly become accessable only on foot. The town centre will become a dormitory area housing rail commuters and students as increasing numbers of retail outlets are converted to accommodation. more and more households will shop out of town, in other local areas or on the internet. Is this what we wantAgniesca

If our population increases in accordance with the statistics, then our water, sewage and electricity supplies will be unable to increase, road congestion will increase and resulting air pollution will become a serious health hazard. Our core retail centre will increasingly become accessable only on foot. The town centre will become a dormitory area housing rail commuters and students as increasing numbers of retail outlets are converted to accommodation. more and more households will shop out of town, in other local areas or on the internet. Is this what we want

Score: 17

sundaydriver
10:06am Sat 1 Feb 14

As the GBP (Great British Public) it doesn't generally matter what we want - we just get presented with it, then we vandalise and deface it while the local councils spend gazillions of dollars half maintaining it - whats it like living in the Sahara? anyone know?

As the GBP (Great British Public) it doesn't generally matter what we want - we just get presented with it, then we vandalise and deface it while the local councils spend gazillions of dollars half maintaining it - whats it like living in the Sahara? anyone know?sundaydriver

As the GBP (Great British Public) it doesn't generally matter what we want - we just get presented with it, then we vandalise and deface it while the local councils spend gazillions of dollars half maintaining it - whats it like living in the Sahara? anyone know?

Score: 14

mitch12
11:39am Sat 1 Feb 14

twenty years time wycombe probably would just be a wasteland of housing and pollution no greenbelt let probably

twenty years time wycombe probably would just be a wasteland of housing and pollution no greenbelt let probablymitch12

twenty years time wycombe probably would just be a wasteland of housing and pollution no greenbelt let probably

Score: 15

sundaydriver
11:42am Sat 1 Feb 14

Lets rush out and take photo's now so we can show our grandchildren what a field was

Lets rush out and take photo's now so we can show our grandchildren what a field wassundaydriver

Lets rush out and take photo's now so we can show our grandchildren what a field was

Score: 22

Mr Methane
12:03pm Sat 1 Feb 14

Politicians, of all levels, in this country are reactive not proactive.
Problems in this area could easily be alleviated by building a new airport in the wastelands east of London. Then route HS2 up the eastern side of the country where there is plenty of room and the pressure on this area will go.
Simples!

Politicians, of all levels, in this country are reactive not proactive.
Problems in this area could easily be alleviated by building a new airport in the wastelands east of London. Then route HS2 up the eastern side of the country where there is plenty of room and the pressure on this area will go.
Simples!Mr Methane

Politicians, of all levels, in this country are reactive not proactive.
Problems in this area could easily be alleviated by building a new airport in the wastelands east of London. Then route HS2 up the eastern side of the country where there is plenty of room and the pressure on this area will go.
Simples!

Score: 8

townraider
6:14pm Sat 1 Feb 14

Large scale housing is "probably a no-no" in Marlow, WDC Leader Cllr Richard Scott ... OH YES IT CAN TAKE HOUSING AND BUSINESS . Plenty space available of the NIMBYS move away!!

Large scale housing is "probably a no-no" in Marlow, WDC Leader Cllr Richard Scott ... OH YES IT CAN TAKE HOUSING AND BUSINESS . Plenty space available of the NIMBYS move away!!townraider

Large scale housing is "probably a no-no" in Marlow, WDC Leader Cllr Richard Scott ... OH YES IT CAN TAKE HOUSING AND BUSINESS . Plenty space available of the NIMBYS move away!!

Score: 0

Cley123
10:20pm Sat 1 Feb 14

Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it!

Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it!Cley123

Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it!

Score: 14

motco
8:42am Sun 2 Feb 14

There were nine comments on this article yesterday. Where have they been 'censored' to I wondered? Here's mine:

Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...

There were nine comments on this article yesterday. Where have they been 'censored' to I wondered? Here's mine:
Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...motco

There were nine comments on this article yesterday. Where have they been 'censored' to I wondered? Here's mine:

Why does the LA and central government think Green Belt was introduced in the first place? It was precisely to prevent the sort of ribbon development and ad hoc building over of green areas that they are now seeking to introduce. There are places in areas away from the south-east hothouse that would be delighted to have population growth and new businesses. I wish they had the foresight of their predecessors...

Score: 9

Peter Cyprus
8:58am Sun 2 Feb 14

Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over!

Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over!Peter Cyprus

Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over!

Score: 13

sundaydriver
10:13am Sun 2 Feb 14

Peter Cyprus wrote…

Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over!

The maths cant hide the true picture - you are dead right - just a shame the way the country is changing or rather the manner in which the country is changing. If developments were more aesthetically pleasing and akin to the appearance of the surroundings then it would not be quite so bad but when 'new towns' or 'new developments' don't blend the only winners are the builders and mortgage companies

[quote][p][bold]Peter Cyprus[/bold] wrote:
Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over![/p][/quote]The maths cant hide the true picture - you are dead right - just a shame the way the country is changing or rather the manner in which the country is changing. If developments were more aesthetically pleasing and akin to the appearance of the surroundings then it would not be quite so bad but when 'new towns' or 'new developments' don't blend the only winners are the builders and mortgage companiessundaydriver

Peter Cyprus wrote…

Nett immigration has averaged about 200,000 a year, not including illegals. So if we say that on average there will be 5 per house it doesn't need much imagination to see why we need to concrete the countryside over!

The maths cant hide the true picture - you are dead right - just a shame the way the country is changing or rather the manner in which the country is changing. If developments were more aesthetically pleasing and akin to the appearance of the surroundings then it would not be quite so bad but when 'new towns' or 'new developments' don't blend the only winners are the builders and mortgage companies

No green space is safe in Wycombe whilst we have a Marlow Clique running the Council.

Score: 12

Agniesca
1:44pm Sun 2 Feb 14

500 to 700 housing units per year means that 10,000 - 14000 properties need to be built. Yet this is to house an increase of 18,000 persons. ie between 1.2 and 1.8 persons per new household. The implication is that we may expect many more single parent households, with an even greater strain on our social budget and many more children being driven to school from their increasingly remote homes. Are these figures really correct

500 to 700 housing units per year means that 10,000 - 14000 properties need to be built. Yet this is to house an increase of 18,000 persons. ie between 1.2 and 1.8 persons per new household. The implication is that we may expect many more single parent households, with an even greater strain on our social budget and many more children being driven to school from their increasingly remote homes. Are these figures really correctAgniesca

500 to 700 housing units per year means that 10,000 - 14000 properties need to be built. Yet this is to house an increase of 18,000 persons. ie between 1.2 and 1.8 persons per new household. The implication is that we may expect many more single parent households, with an even greater strain on our social budget and many more children being driven to school from their increasingly remote homes. Are these figures really correct

Score: 5

Chris Woodman
2:04pm Sun 2 Feb 14

For the record, this is the contribution that I gave the BFP on behalf of the High Wycombe Society on Thursday, which they drew on in the paper version on Friday.

"The District Council has described the new Local Plan as a challenge and they are right!

Central Government is requiring each District to look after its own housing needs in the future and they are dictating how those housing needs should be assessed. They issue ringing statements about no building in the Green Belt but then they say that every Local Authority should review the boundaries of the Green Belt, so it’s “no building in the Green Belt but you must use this loophole”. But we believe there is a lot to argue about in this consultation. WDC say they must provide for 500-700 new homes a year, up from the 300-400 in the past, which is based not only on natural growth in population within Wycombe District but adds in a projection of past migration trends, which are vague and uncertain. The threat is of vast areas of Green Belt being concreted over. The Council must do all they can to persuade the Planning Inspector that lower numbers will be enough to meet Central Government’s requirement. They must make best use of all the brownfield sites around the District, like the CompAir site, and they must be imaginative in bringing in architects to create good quality buildings at a higher density. If there is to be major growth at Princes Risborough, then it needs to bring in the best of Garden City ideas so that it doesn’t overburden Risborough town centre and can extend into Oxfordshire.

And rigorous thought needs to be given by both the District and County Councils to providing proper transport links and infrastructure, which is not happening at the moment."

For the record, this is the contribution that I gave the BFP on behalf of the High Wycombe Society on Thursday, which they drew on in the paper version on Friday.
"The District Council has described the new Local Plan as a challenge and they are right!
Central Government is requiring each District to look after its own housing needs in the future and they are dictating how those housing needs should be assessed. They issue ringing statements about no building in the Green Belt but then they say that every Local Authority should review the boundaries of the Green Belt, so it’s “no building in the Green Belt but you must use this loophole”. But we believe there is a lot to argue about in this consultation. WDC say they must provide for 500-700 new homes a year, up from the 300-400 in the past, which is based not only on natural growth in population within Wycombe District but adds in a projection of past migration trends, which are vague and uncertain. The threat is of vast areas of Green Belt being concreted over. The Council must do all they can to persuade the Planning Inspector that lower numbers will be enough to meet Central Government’s requirement. They must make best use of all the brownfield sites around the District, like the CompAir site, and they must be imaginative in bringing in architects to create good quality buildings at a higher density. If there is to be major growth at Princes Risborough, then it needs to bring in the best of Garden City ideas so that it doesn’t overburden Risborough town centre and can extend into Oxfordshire.
And rigorous thought needs to be given by both the District and County Councils to providing proper transport links and infrastructure, which is not happening at the moment."Chris Woodman

For the record, this is the contribution that I gave the BFP on behalf of the High Wycombe Society on Thursday, which they drew on in the paper version on Friday.

"The District Council has described the new Local Plan as a challenge and they are right!

Central Government is requiring each District to look after its own housing needs in the future and they are dictating how those housing needs should be assessed. They issue ringing statements about no building in the Green Belt but then they say that every Local Authority should review the boundaries of the Green Belt, so it’s “no building in the Green Belt but you must use this loophole”. But we believe there is a lot to argue about in this consultation. WDC say they must provide for 500-700 new homes a year, up from the 300-400 in the past, which is based not only on natural growth in population within Wycombe District but adds in a projection of past migration trends, which are vague and uncertain. The threat is of vast areas of Green Belt being concreted over. The Council must do all they can to persuade the Planning Inspector that lower numbers will be enough to meet Central Government’s requirement. They must make best use of all the brownfield sites around the District, like the CompAir site, and they must be imaginative in bringing in architects to create good quality buildings at a higher density. If there is to be major growth at Princes Risborough, then it needs to bring in the best of Garden City ideas so that it doesn’t overburden Risborough town centre and can extend into Oxfordshire.

And rigorous thought needs to be given by both the District and County Councils to providing proper transport links and infrastructure, which is not happening at the moment."

Score: 15

BOOKERite
3:57pm Sun 2 Feb 14

WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.

If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.

I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.

WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.
If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.
I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.BOOKERite

WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.

If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.

I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.

Score: 7

BucksComment
8:49am Mon 3 Feb 14

Have a drive round Wycombe and see the BROWN field sites begging for development. Also, half of Globe Park is currently empty - pefect use for new houses.

oh, sorry, forgot that the planning chaps are all Marlow elected....

It is time the general public stood up and said 'No' to this - just becasue someone says we need more houses, why believe them? I'd love to live on Main street, but because there are no houses availbale there, I had to choose The Avenue.... simple

Have a drive round Wycombe and see the BROWN field sites begging for development. Also, half of Globe Park is currently empty - pefect use for new houses.
oh, sorry, forgot that the planning chaps are all Marlow elected....
It is time the general public stood up and said 'No' to this - just becasue someone says we need more houses, why believe them? I'd love to live on Main street, but because there are no houses availbale there, I had to choose The Avenue.... simpleBucksComment

Have a drive round Wycombe and see the BROWN field sites begging for development. Also, half of Globe Park is currently empty - pefect use for new houses.

oh, sorry, forgot that the planning chaps are all Marlow elected....

It is time the general public stood up and said 'No' to this - just becasue someone says we need more houses, why believe them? I'd love to live on Main street, but because there are no houses availbale there, I had to choose The Avenue.... simple

No green space is safe in Wycombe whilst we have a Marlow Clique running the Council.

This statement sums up WDC or should we say the Marlow Run Council. No Town Council for Wycombe but Marlow has one, so why not close it. Allowances increased to the benefit of Marlow Councillors! Marlow people had a major influence on decisions about Booker Airfield and were very concerned about through traffic. Want to build offices in High Wycombe and move the Fire Station at a cost of millions to the public when there are empty offices on Globe Park Marlow. Put a new Industrial site in Hughenden but want to restrict through trafic by a new road system and remove the “Berlin Wall. Try that on Marlow!
Residents on the outskirts of Wycombe Town are worried about traffic gridlock when others have it now and it will get worse around Wycombe Town when new road plans come to fruition.
It is time for a Unitary Council to save money but some want to hang on to their control and protect their own interests? An effective opposition might help but NIMBY will rule.

[quote][p][bold]yog[/bold] wrote:
"Large scale housing is "probably a no-no" in Marlow, WDC Leader Cllr Richard Scott has said
Cllr Richard Scott - Marlow Councillor
Cllr Neil Marshall, WDC’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability - Marlow Councillor.
No green space is safe in Wycombe whilst we have a Marlow Clique running the Council.[/p][/quote]This statement sums up WDC or should we say the Marlow Run Council. No Town Council for Wycombe but Marlow has one, so why not close it. Allowances increased to the benefit of Marlow Councillors! Marlow people had a major influence on decisions about Booker Airfield and were very concerned about through traffic. Want to build offices in High Wycombe and move the Fire Station at a cost of millions to the public when there are empty offices on Globe Park Marlow. Put a new Industrial site in Hughenden but want to restrict through trafic by a new road system and remove the “Berlin Wall. Try that on Marlow!
Residents on the outskirts of Wycombe Town are worried about traffic gridlock when others have it now and it will get worse around Wycombe Town when new road plans come to fruition.
It is time for a Unitary Council to save money but some want to hang on to their control and protect their own interests? An effective opposition might help but NIMBY will rule.Very much concerned

No green space is safe in Wycombe whilst we have a Marlow Clique running the Council.

This statement sums up WDC or should we say the Marlow Run Council. No Town Council for Wycombe but Marlow has one, so why not close it. Allowances increased to the benefit of Marlow Councillors! Marlow people had a major influence on decisions about Booker Airfield and were very concerned about through traffic. Want to build offices in High Wycombe and move the Fire Station at a cost of millions to the public when there are empty offices on Globe Park Marlow. Put a new Industrial site in Hughenden but want to restrict through trafic by a new road system and remove the “Berlin Wall. Try that on Marlow!
Residents on the outskirts of Wycombe Town are worried about traffic gridlock when others have it now and it will get worse around Wycombe Town when new road plans come to fruition.
It is time for a Unitary Council to save money but some want to hang on to their control and protect their own interests? An effective opposition might help but NIMBY will rule.

Score: 4

Very much concerned
2:24pm Mon 3 Feb 14

Cley123 wrote…

Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it!

Very true now but it will get worse unless the Berlin Wall is saved

[quote][p][bold]Cley123[/bold] wrote:
Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it![/p][/quote]Very true now but it will get worse unless the Berlin Wall is savedVery much concerned

Cley123 wrote…

Have they seen the roads in the morning round Wycombe. I very much doubt that they can stand the extra traffic in peak hours.
I doubt that will stop them though, as those who run this country really give **** about it!

Very true now but it will get worse unless the Berlin Wall is saved

Score: 5

legiopatrianostra
6:01pm Mon 3 Feb 14

BOOKERite wrote…

WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.

If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.

I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.

As the residents found with the stadium, if enough people get together and TELL the Council they don't want something, then the council will have to back down. These people are supposed to be respresentatives, not devine rulers.

[quote][p][bold]BOOKERite[/bold] wrote:
WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.
If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.
I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.[/p][/quote]As the residents found with the stadium, if enough people get together and TELL the Council they don't want something, then the council will have to back down. These people are supposed to be respresentatives, not devine rulers.legiopatrianostra

BOOKERite wrote…

WDC are determined to do something with Wycombe Air Park since losing the Stadium battle! If houses are to be built there, will they want to live side by side with the low flying aircraft and the soon to be built noisy, smelly waste transfer station? I don't think so.

If the Buckmaster playing fields are built upon (who wants to live adjacent to the motorway), how on earth are the new inhabitants going to move around? What with John Lewis, Asda, the new Next store and the intended very extensive WTS traffic. It is almost impossible now on a Saturday afternoon with just John Lewis, Asda and the Adams Park traffic.

I suggest that the enabling infrastructure is put in place before any large scale developing of the Wycombe area and also that all departments of our local hospital are reinstated.

As the residents found with the stadium, if enough people get together and TELL the Council they don't want something, then the council will have to back down. These people are supposed to be respresentatives, not devine rulers.

Score: 7

Hernibs
6:31pm Tue 4 Feb 14

10,000 houses is the equivalent of two new "Greater Downley" suburbs, even if they are to be built over 16 years. They can't just be pasted onto the original, semi organic growth of Wycombe town without bringing all transport and services to a halt. This seems to be the biggest argument possible for a unitary authority, who would have real power to make the housing follow the infra-structure, not the other way around. Talk about tail wagging the dog! Do you think we will be given a democratic choice over going unitary next local election? One Princes Risborough councillor so far has stuck his neck out! Come on, be brave Wycombe District councillors...

10,000 houses is the equivalent of two new "Greater Downley" suburbs, even if they are to be built over 16 years. They can't just be pasted onto the original, semi organic growth of Wycombe town without bringing all transport and services to a halt. This seems to be the biggest argument possible for a unitary authority, who would have real power to make the housing follow the infra-structure, not the other way around. Talk about tail wagging the dog! Do you think we will be given a democratic choice over going unitary next local election? One Princes Risborough councillor so far has stuck his neck out! Come on, be brave Wycombe District councillors...Hernibs

10,000 houses is the equivalent of two new "Greater Downley" suburbs, even if they are to be built over 16 years. They can't just be pasted onto the original, semi organic growth of Wycombe town without bringing all transport and services to a halt. This seems to be the biggest argument possible for a unitary authority, who would have real power to make the housing follow the infra-structure, not the other way around. Talk about tail wagging the dog! Do you think we will be given a democratic choice over going unitary next local election? One Princes Risborough councillor so far has stuck his neck out! Come on, be brave Wycombe District councillors...

Score: 4

Lucy-Fur
9:48am Wed 5 Feb 14

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?Lucy-Fur

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

Score: 5

J B Blackett
4:33pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Perhaps folk will come to realize that politicians everywhere at all levels ( and their lackeys eg planners) make up and talk up population figures and statistics for their own Political Purposes.
.
The politicians and their mates are not there for your benefit - they seek and obtain power for Their Own Benefit. Which fact they will deny , of course.
.
And we all know how open , truthful and honest they are - don't we ? They are in fact professional liars and are very adept of spinning and thinking up numbers to suit their own purposes. Remember in recent years 'they' said only 15000 Poles a year would come to the UK.
.
And some of predicted this year there would be 'A Tidal Wave' of Romanians and Bulgarians. So far this year , we appear to have only been 'swamped' by loads of water and the surging sea.
.
What liars and deceivers ( or idiots ) these people are. Please beware - they really only desire to gain and cling on to power and influence and your assets - whatever they say or promise.
.
Past and recent History proves it.
.
Thank you for reading this far.

Perhaps folk will come to realize that politicians everywhere at all levels ( and their lackeys eg planners) make up and talk up population figures and statistics for their own Political Purposes.
.
The politicians and their mates are not there for your benefit - they seek and obtain power for Their Own Benefit. Which fact they will deny , of course.
.
And we all know how open , truthful and honest they are - don't we ? They are in fact professional liars and are very adept of spinning and thinking up numbers to suit their own purposes. Remember in recent years 'they' said only 15000 Poles a year would come to the UK.
.
And some of predicted this year there would be 'A Tidal Wave' of Romanians and Bulgarians. So far this year , we appear to have only been 'swamped' by loads of water and the surging sea.
.
What liars and deceivers ( or idiots ) these people are. Please beware - they really only desire to gain and cling on to power and influence and your assets - whatever they say or promise.
.
Past and recent History proves it.
.
Thank you for reading this far.J B Blackett

Perhaps folk will come to realize that politicians everywhere at all levels ( and their lackeys eg planners) make up and talk up population figures and statistics for their own Political Purposes.
.
The politicians and their mates are not there for your benefit - they seek and obtain power for Their Own Benefit. Which fact they will deny , of course.
.
And we all know how open , truthful and honest they are - don't we ? They are in fact professional liars and are very adept of spinning and thinking up numbers to suit their own purposes. Remember in recent years 'they' said only 15000 Poles a year would come to the UK.
.
And some of predicted this year there would be 'A Tidal Wave' of Romanians and Bulgarians. So far this year , we appear to have only been 'swamped' by loads of water and the surging sea.
.
What liars and deceivers ( or idiots ) these people are. Please beware - they really only desire to gain and cling on to power and influence and your assets - whatever they say or promise.
.
Past and recent History proves it.
.
Thank you for reading this far.

Score: 2

Peter Cyprus
10:01pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Lucy-Fur wrote…

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

Don't hold your breath!

[quote][p][bold]Lucy-Fur[/bold] wrote:
All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?[/p][/quote]Don't hold your breath!Peter Cyprus

Lucy-Fur wrote…

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

Don't hold your breath!

Score: 2

J B Blackett
11:15pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Peter Cyprus wrote…

Lucy-Fur wrote…

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

Don't hold your breath!

How can you tell if the writer above is holding their breath ?
.
Have you some kit that we don't know about ? Are we all under surveillance via he BFP.
.
Very scary.

[quote][p][bold]Peter Cyprus[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Lucy-Fur[/bold] wrote:
All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?[/p][/quote]Don't hold your breath![/p][/quote]How can you tell if the writer above is holding their breath ?
.
Have you some kit that we don't know about ? Are we all under surveillance via he BFP.
.
Very scary.J B Blackett

Peter Cyprus wrote…

Lucy-Fur wrote…

All these new houses.....does that mean we will get Wycombe Hospital back as it should be?

Don't hold your breath!

How can you tell if the writer above is holding their breath ?
.
Have you some kit that we don't know about ? Are we all under surveillance via he BFP.
.
Very scary.

Score: 1

BucksComment
8:59am Tue 11 Feb 14

Presumably the flood plains and water holding areas are now off limits? Oh yes, those are called the 'Green Belt' so won't be...

Presumably the flood plains and water holding areas are now off limits? Oh yes, those are called the 'Green Belt' so won't be...BucksComment

Presumably the flood plains and water holding areas are now off limits? Oh yes, those are called the 'Green Belt' so won't be...

Score: 2

Weemac
11:03am Tue 11 Feb 14

Isn't it a pity that development always has to extend over the green and pleasant parts surrounding a town, leaving the not so pleasant part in town.
I think as part of their Local Plan, WDC should consider redeveloping the commercial areas in and around the town and providing space that is fit for purpose, whether it be living or working space.
Much is made about having a say in what is proposed. All very well as long as someone listens.

Isn't it a pity that development always has to extend over the green and pleasant parts surrounding a town, leaving the not so pleasant part in town.
I think as part of their Local Plan, WDC should consider redeveloping the commercial areas in and around the town and providing space that is fit for purpose, whether it be living or working space.
Much is made about having a say in what is proposed. All very well as long as someone listens.Weemac

Isn't it a pity that development always has to extend over the green and pleasant parts surrounding a town, leaving the not so pleasant part in town.
I think as part of their Local Plan, WDC should consider redeveloping the commercial areas in and around the town and providing space that is fit for purpose, whether it be living or working space.
Much is made about having a say in what is proposed. All very well as long as someone listens.

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